Olentzero is an important character in Basque Christmas traditions. According to mythology, Olentzero was a pagan who lived in the Basque mountains. When he learned of Jesus's birth from a star in the sky, he decided to visit Bethlehem and spread the news. Nowadays, Olentzero is depicted as a charcoal maker or shepherd who delivers presents to children who leave him letters. He dresses in traditional Basque clothing and carries the presents in a donkey. People in the Basque Country celebrate Christmas with families, special foods, singing carols door-to-door, and exchanging gifts associated with the mythical figure of Olentzero.

2. The most important character at Basque Christmas is a man called Olentzero.
According to mythology, this character is a pagan who lives in the Basque
mountains. One day one of his relatives saw a big star in the sky and asked the
oldest pagan what it was. He answered it was the birth of Jesus, so he ordered
them to jump off the cliff but he did not obey. He went to Bethlehem to visit
Jesus and he started spreading the news.

3. Nowadays he is represented as a charcoal maker or a shepherd. Little children give
Olentzero letters about the presents they want to get. Parents take advantage of the myth
and tell their children to behave as if they don`t, they will not get the presents they asked
for. On Christmas’ Eve he delivers the presents to all the houses around the Basque
Country. Olentzero dresses with a Basque beret, thick denim trousers and a black big
shirt. He usually goes with a donkey that carries the presents.

4. That day people go from home to home singing Christmas carols, in that
way they earn money. In the little towns, people walk around the farthest
farms and neighbourhoods with a donkey and some instruments.

7. That night an important dinner is celebrated where all the family gathers
(grandparents, uncles and aunties, cousins, basically all your relatives). The next
day they also have Christmas lunch together. At Christmas we eat king prawns, cod
and hake in sauce, lamb, sirloin or rib. For dessert the most typical food is walnut’s
sauce, roasted chestnuts and almond’s nougat.

8. At new year’s eve they make a big dinner again. The tradition is that after
dinner, when the clock strikes midnight, a grape is eaten for each bell
chiming. Some time ago people used to go to get some water from the
local fountain because they thought it was magic and it cured sicknesses.
Nowadays few people continue with this tradition.